Ascites (a build up of fluid in the abdomen)

Ascites is the medical name for a build up of fluid in the tummy (abdomen). If the ascites is caused by cancer it can also be called malignant  ascites. 

Possible treatments for ascites include draining the fluid using a tube.

There are lots of organisations and support groups to help you cope with the symptoms and side effects caused by cancer and its treatment. There is also more details of support groups on the resources page of each cancer type.

Find out about long term drains for fluid on the abdomen (ascites) and how they work.

Shunts drain fluid from a swollen tummy (ascites) caused by some kinds of cancer.